Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Penang or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Penang and Beijing. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Penang or Beijing?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $147Beijing $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $147, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $96. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Penang and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $56Beijing $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $112Beijing $84
Compare Hotels in Penang and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Beijing? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Penang Hotel Prices and Beijing Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Beijing $8.22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.45
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Island Ferry$0.58
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.65
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.25
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $44
- Penang Airport Arrival Transfer: $21
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $37
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer: $23
- Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.02
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Train from Airport for Two$7.35
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Taxi to Hotel$8.83
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2 Metro Passes$2.35
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Metro$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $230
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Badaling Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide/Transfer Service: $9.50
- Badaling Night Great Wall Ticket Show and Optional Transfer: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show in Red Theater with Guide and Transfer: $59
- Beijing Acrobatics Show And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $299
- Beijing Airport (PEK) to Mutianyu Great Wall Round Trip Transfers: $189
- Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Penang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPenang $66Beijing $36
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.93
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$83
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$70
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Lassy Juice$1.69
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Dinner for 2$3.63
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Street Stall Food$0.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.59
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $48
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $64
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.88
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.35
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.94
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Watermelon$2.06
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
- Beijing Dumpling Cooking Class Private Courtyard Cafe: $40
- Beijing Food Tour: $40
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $56Beijing $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.49
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.25
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.42
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
- The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket: $21
- Entopia Penang Admission Ticket: $22
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $33
- Rise of World Heritage City Penang Walking Heritage Tour: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.83
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Two Opera Tickets$63
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$10
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Entrance Tickets: Coal Hill Park, Beihai Park & Drum-Bell Towers: $2.50
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Forbidden City Ticket Booking: $2.90
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking Service: $3.00
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.99
- Beijing Jingshan Park Entry Ticket: $4.00
- Beijing Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking: $4.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Beijing $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.93
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Beijing, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Beijing, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Penang or Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Penang is around the same temperature as Beijing in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (56°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Beijing. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Penang is much warmer than Beijing in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Penang
| Penang | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.